Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.- Executives of the cruise ship company Carnival Corporation yesterday reiterated they’ll build a tourist terminal in nearby Maimón Bay, and expect it to bring social and economic development and spur the relaunch of cruise tourism in the North coast destination.
In a gathering in Maimón, representatives of the Miami based company said they work to start the construction of the project as soon as possible.
Carnival executives Jeffrey Ranick, David Canndib, Fabio Valenzuela and Manuel Corpas met with Maimón personalities, Government officials, hoteliers and other tourism business leaders.
Ranick, of the shippers Báez & Ranick, associated with Carnival in building the Maimon terminal, said the gathering served the various sectors who were informed on the important project, be built at a cost of US$65.0 million.
“It was a magnificent opportunity for the public to be present in the Maimón project, since the impact that such an important tourist work will have in this community.”
From: Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata
I can see the politikeros rubbing their hands.
Blessed manna Payola.
Written by: Atabey, 27 Jan 2012 9:48 AM
From: United States, NYC
Dready will be upset.
Written by: RoyStone, 27 Jan 2012 10:59 AM
From: Australia
This is good news for the country, provided it is done with transparency and environmental responsibility. Do these projects require an environmental impact study?
Written by: BLANCO, 27 Jan 2012 11:16 AM
From: Dominican Republic
company said they work to start the construction of the project as soon as possible.
???????
Written by: lovingit, 27 Jan 2012 11:46 AM
From: United States, Delaware
Given the current disaster of the Costa Cruise off Italy (owned by Carnival) and the financial strain it puts on the company, I thought this would be put on hold for sure.. I guess that is not the case.
@Roy.. there is an environmental impact study, the question is, how good and/or valid will it be?
Look what happened with Suape Port Brazil, where they destroyed an ecosystem that has been attributed to the alarming increase of Shark attacks.
Written by: danny00, 27 Jan 2012 11:58 AM
From: United States, syosset, key west, santo domingo AND NOW THE GLOBE TROTTER
do these projects require an environmental impact study?
and if they do iam sure a nice payoff will help the builders get their permts real fast.
the tourists will be so happy when they arrive in the great tourists city of pop, lots for them to see and do,
like vist the amber museum, fun city with the go carts, get to buy real cuban cigars from the local gift shops around parke central, well lets see what else they can do??????..... please dont get off the ship the motor bikes will run u down as u try and cross the streets in pop,
best thing pop has is the cable ride which used to be own and maybe still is by a german company, the tourists can also watch the police and army guys go get their payoffs from the local drug dealers,
[maybe it has changed but as far as i k now the cuban cigars are counterfeit}
also dont buy any gold or silver jewlery from these shops they are all rip offs some worst then others they are not going to give u a so-called deal}
Written by: danny00, 27 Jan 2012 12:03 PM
From: United States, syosset, key west, santo domingo AND NOW THE GLOBE TROTTER
the men in the gift shops will tell u they will put the cuban cigars in a dominican box , forget this bullshit, your only paying for phoney cuban cigars, as i said before if u need cigars buy the dominican ones,
and the guides will surround u when u reach the city of puerto plata if not before, any guide works on a 30% comm he gets from the gift shops based on the amount of money the suckers spend in the shop.
u dont need any guide to hustle u most of the shops have workers who speak some english and german and some french.
Written by: danny00, 27 Jan 2012 12:10 PM
From: United States, syosset, key west, santo domingo AND NOW THE GLOBE TROTTER
for the tourists ship or by plane, dont do any one a favor in the streets that ask u to change any dominican money for them, in most cases it going to be a counterfeit bill, most of the time they will ask u to change a $2,000 pesos bill for them dont do it, the money exchange shops for the most part are on the up and up in pop around cental park and have been there for many years,
the metro bus ststem for me is #1 u will have no problems if u need to use the bus system, the taxi cabs around the park are ok but when a gringo or a tourists u will pay at least double the fare as a dominican would,{most tourists though expect to pay more when they travel] [dont rent a car dont even think of it}
Written by: danny00, 27 Jan 2012 12:19 PM
From: United States, syosset, key west, santo domingo AND NOW THE GLOBE TROTTER
the guides are only trying to make a living, [the 30%comm.}
if u really want to see the city of pop. try and make a deal with a guide for the day if u can, {maybe u can find one that works at a local hotel and has some time to show u around {better then the tour bus or group tours} in most cases puerto plata is safe in the daytime} dont flash your money dollars or pesos around, give a the guide a fair pay for the time he or she works for u. also no problem with the banks in the heart of the city in pop, u can get cash or change your dollars from them u pay a bit more but its safe.
{better not to go out late at night} u see more in the day anyway.
From: United States
RoyStone says
Written by: RoyStone, 27 Jan 2012 10:59 AM
From: Australia
This is good news for the country, provided it is done with transparency and environmental responsibility. Do these projects require an environmental impact study?
what environmental study? cruiseship tourism is a waste of time for the host destination..firstly, people have to understand that the SHIP is the pull, not the port of call. there are two types of tourists. one is the phytocentric personality, the other is the allocentric personality. phytocentrics, who make up the majority of cruise ship tourists, are people who have a low level of adventurism. they want to stay in the "tourist bubble". they do not want to go mixing with a bunch of quaint natives, but rather be with their peers, and not having to deal with strange situations, and language differences. allocentrics are the guys who want to go out into the rain forest, and the backpackers. they spend time in the interior, and spread the money ar
From: United States
the people on cruise ships do not all leave the vessel when it docks. besides, if you are the last island on the itinerary, by the time the ship gets to you, the guys are broke, and already have all the straw hats and bamboo mugs, made in China, that they can ever use. then, the ship is dumping all kinds of waste in your coastal waters, killing the reefs, and doing permanent damage to the ecology. a pox on cruise tourism. let the tourists keep the 99 dollars they spend, on average, while in port. when you think that EACH DAY, for EACH passenger, the ship discharges 1kg of burnable waste, and another kg of plastic , and cans, in your waters, who needs it?
Written by: Escott, 27 Jan 2012 12:35 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Cabrera and Sosua a 2 days a month for payday
The DR needs it especially in Puerto Plata and the entire north coast. Now go pontificate somewhere else you pseudo intellectual.
Written by: danny00, 27 Jan 2012 12:41 PM
From: United States, syosset, key west, santo domingo AND NOW THE GLOBE TROTTER
the people on cruise ships do not all leave the vessel when it docks
very true but some do and for sure pop needs even the few that do leave,
years ago met many tourists in playa dora hotel.
they told me the are never coming back to this country. i asked them why?
said the local people that worked in the hotel told them that if the go into puerto plata city that some one might kill them or for sure rob them, the idea was to keep these tourists at the hotel complex to spend their dollars over there.
but these comments are crazy and stupid because the tourists to be scared of the people and the country.[many said they could not for their vacation to end so they can get out of here}
very stupid indeed. [ playa dorda cab and taxi drivers also did not help} over charging the tourists.
From: United States
Escott, the irritant from the north, blows in, like the foul wind he is, with more of his usual, and expected, discourtesies. ok, Escott, the floor is yours. tell us why the North Coast needs it. show us some figures, and some studies. failing that, crawl back into your hole, and go play with your Gameboy. adults are trying to have a conversation here.
Written by: danny00, 27 Jan 2012 12:49 PM
From: United States, syosset, key west, santo domingo AND NOW THE GLOBE TROTTER
boys boys stop the fighting with each other.
this site is not to help the dr but
lets see whos the most intelligent, who has the best comments
has enough for today, going to the port of miami and watch the ships come into port.
if not the ships then i will watch the tide come in and go out.
have a great day in la- la land where nothing is for real is it? even if one goes to google is the information and numbers real?
love the bonding the dr have, the brother hood and love and for sure the trust dominican people have 4 each other.
.
Written by: RoyStone, 27 Jan 2012 1:08 PM
From: Australia
Dready,
I agree that for people who go on cruses, the ship is the main attraction, however they still need a destination, even if only to validate the exotic postcards they send their friends.
I doubt the ships dump their rubbish overboard, but I don't know for a fact. Regardless this would be insignificant compared to the rubbish Dominicans add to the environment every day, that ends up in the sea.
Regardless I believe there is still a benefit for this county to attract tour ships. The Dominican "product" can be packaged and delivered on board and sold, without the need for the tourist to risk their health and safety by setting foot in the country. I'm not talking about straw hats and bamboo mugs, made in China.
From: United States, Washington, DC
Dread.... his name is Asscott, not Escott...... It's a shame that one of the best areas to buy fresh local fish, one of the best areas to experience dominican culture with one of the most beautiful bahias ... will be sold ... to an outsider .... again..soon ... As I tell my dominican friends.... money isn't everything............
Written by: underpar, 27 Jan 2012 1:46 PM
From: Dominican Republic
Here we go again more of the same sad pathetic DR haters! Danny and Dread are just sad usless unhappy folks who will never have a positive thing to say!
I have worked on many a ship with my groups and they all get off the ship except for a small few Dread! I have worked on the largest ships in the world so before you open you mouth. Tell me what ships you have been on that gives you the knowledge of tourists spending habits?
What ports are you an expert on ?
This will be great addition and will help POP.
Look at Labadee and see how busy and happy the folks are!
Why don't you sad DR haters just leave already!
Written by: xwill7, 27 Jan 2012 1:54 PM
From: United States, El cuarto bate
The great mountain views will meke it paradise for the tourists
From: United States
underarm, i do not have to work on a ship to know tourist spending habits. i have never lived on the sun, but i know it is hot. as for information regarding spending habits...here, on terra firma, there is something called the internet. before that, there was something called a book. that is how most people get knowledge. next time you are in a city, or town, ask someone to show you something called a bookstore, where you can see exemplars of books. the fact that you work on a ship does not mean you know dick about the subject matter. what next? you are a security guard at a hospital, so you know more about brain surgery than people who do not work there?
RoyStone, the Cayman Islands have sued cruise lines for dumping wastes in their waters. there are protocols for dumping, and there are agreements. however, none of the caribbean islands is a signatory to the agreements.
From: Dominican Republic, vieja Santo Domingo
wonderful , wonderful news ..and of course the tourists on the cruise ships leave the ships and go into the towns and buy all the Dominican paintings and trinklets and have a look around and often there are special deals with tour companies that take the tourists to different destinations.
I could not be happier for Puerta Plata and the surrounding towns .and I think it will happen if the docking fees are right ...The Costa company use the carnival ships as low cost cruisers and they would have been insured for the accident in Italy
From: United States
sure, Ricardolito. i wonder why it is that professional academics, who have studied this matter, have a far different take on this matter than you do?i wonder why it is that they see very few positive upsides to cruise ship tourism. by the way, Ricardolito, answer this one, please. all the studies point to environmental degradation of the area. most of it is irreversible. reefs are destroyed, and species lost. so, tell me, is the short run profit worth the long run loss of the product? you will agree that without pristine waters, and beaches, tourism in the caribbean is pointless, no?
From: United States, NJ
Dread has a point ;
I last travel to the Maya Ruins in Mexico last november and the cruise my sister got in order for her to pay for her 2 daughters, the cheapest of all of them and it was full of rifraffs and it was (carnaval) Kids running around .People misbehaving and loud.You turn around and unmistakeable, it were our people (Latinos) in must case DR or PR both from NYC.
We did not experience that with PRINCESS cruises althought the fares were 3 times hiegher .
The Smaller Antilles with princess were also very pleasant and relaxing as well as the Islands we visited.
I hope if the port gets build by CARNAVAL,does not gives them exclusive rights to the port and
facilitates others ,like in the Smaller Antilles 3 ships or 4 could mour at the same time.
As to the thieves, if you are born into malices would be very hard to give it up.With time they learn
it does not pay,and i hope they will be civil.
From: United States, NJ
As to Puerto Plata needing a face lift ,yes am all for it providing proffesionals are hired by the co to conduct business and treat passangers as they are, ( tourist).
I rather go to PTO PTA to the capital Santo Domingo as it is, with all the construction ,who wants to see that? The hardest thing for those companies would be to obtain permits since Sto Dgo wants all the tourist by them or at East of the Island.It seems as if all the VIP had shares at the East in Casa Campo.
As to the hotels as well as big investment in the Island belongs to the Spaniards who have the
know how on hotels and tourism. Unless the DR people get the grasp of it, the employees will
have to be imported. Not all of them could be hotel managers.As i had mentioned before they all
want to start at the top.
You noticed the present gvt pays very little attention at POP knowing dam well it will be the capital's rival if it gets developed.
From: Dominican Republic
It's strange to hear americans complain about environmental damages. Who doesn't want to sign international environmental treaties, fearing to lose jobs? What about your oil platforms? What about Exxon Valdez? Nuclear tests in your deserts? Who is overfishing the Caribbean? Dominicans don't have a fishing industry.
Always complaining about the others.
Good luck to Maimón! At last good news. Good for the whole area, one of the most beautiful in the whole country. Good for the people who need jobs. Because unlike what you always suppose, also Dominicans like to work, if they get a job! Incredible, but true!
From: United States
Because unlike what you always suppose, also Dominicans like to work, if they get a job
how many jobs do you think a cruise shop generates at a port of call?
Written by: RonEvane, 27 Jan 2012 6:57 PM
From: United States, Gaithersburg, Maryland
The dreaded, intermittent wind from Jamaica, once again, blows over Hispaniola covering it with the dark cloud of despair, futility and painful truths. To wit:.. This port, presumably being built with private funding, will only worsen the already dire economical situation in POP and environs. How dare our govt allow such a project to be built and disembark shiploads after shiploads of tourists, creating an eyesore with their presence and, to make matters worse, refusing to buy our genuine Cuban cigars, made in DR?
Yes our govt, once again, screwed up big time, by not listening to the voice of reason and refusing to tell this company to take a hike and go do their damage in Jamaica, instead.... When will our govt learn that tourism of any kind simply isn't cost effective, a detriment to our way of life and a desecration to our pristine environment?!...Only God and Dread, know for sure.... Amen.
Written by: RoyStone, 27 Jan 2012 7:45 PM
From: Australia
Ron, you say
"When will our govt learn that tourism of any kind simply isn't cost effective, a detriment to our way of life and a desecration to our pristine environment?"
I will give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you are being sarcastic, since tourism is by far this country's biggest earner, and the damage done by tourists to what's left of the environment is negligible compared to the damage being done by Dominicans.
From: United States
Yes our govt, once again, screwed up big time, by not listening to the voice of reason and refusing to tell this company to take a hike and go do their damage in Jamaica, instead..
go do their damage in Jamaica? they already have! try to remember, Ron, that tourism started in the DR in 1969. before that, more Dominicans visited the outside world, than outsiders came here. Jamaica has been in the business for almost a century. i can therefore draw upon their experiences, as a point of reference. you are entitled to your opinion. i speak from what i see, and research. by the way, for an older guy, it is time to put aside the little adolescent inter-island pettiness. i do not see you referring to others by country. what is the matter? some jealousy on your part? what is this matter of specifying my country? what does it add to the narrative? you think i will just shut up, and go away, because guys like you, and Atabey, refer to the Jamaiquino? you think i am ashamed of it?
Written by: RoyStone, 27 Jan 2012 9:32 PM
From: Australia
From: Dominican Republic
to dreadlocks
of course you are right. the big money is for the company and the dominicans only get the crumbs - what else?
but there will be a couple of jobs to build the port and later there will be also some jobs at the port or for taxi drivers or so. it's better than nothing, better than now. as i said - crumbs for the dominicans, big money for the gringos - like always.
and if there will be some tourists that would stay for short holiday, there are also jobs in hotels. and not to forget for the sanky pankies to satisfy the old white "ladies" and for the putas of the white masters of the north.
Written by: RonEvane, 28 Jan 2012 3:34 AM
From: United States, Gaithersburg, Maryland
{"sure, Ricardolito. i wonder why it is that professional academics, who have studied this matter, have a far different take on this matter than you do?i wonder why it is that they see very few positive upsides to cruise ship tourism."}
"Very few positive upsides". Really, Mr. Dread!??
I refer to your country, not as a target for ridicule, au contraire, but to praise it for all the efforts made, to earn big-time cash by promoting its beauty and as prime destination for fun in the sun.
We should look at Jamaica and emulate it for all it's success!
What gets me, is your askew take on the downside of tourism, as if there were any. But you are quite an expert on this matter, thus:... "cruise-ship tourism is a waste of time for the host destination.."...And..." the ship is dumping all kinds of waste in your coastal waters, killing the reefs, and doing permanent damage to the ecology."...Amazing!!..Where do you get all this stuff?! You, being Jamaican, should know better, sir.
Written by: VStar650, 28 Jan 2012 8:18 AM
From: Dominican Republic
I lived in the British Virgin Islands for years... The new cruise ship facility was as much a financial boon as it was a massive ecological mistake.... It made money for the insider politicians and millions for one ex-chief minister...
I had hoped to provide sanitary pumping and wasted disposal services but my proposals fell on deaf ears... The ships discharged hundreds of thousands of gallons of unsanitary waste at sea... the environmental studies take only a few years later confirmed reef destruction and fish species disappearing within only two years.. Most within 100 miles of the island chain. The practice goes unchallenged and unenforced even today.
The financial and corrupting influences in the DR are well known and documented. Given world financial collapse it has little chance of success and the company will walk away from the facility in five years and never look back.
Written by: RoyStone, 28 Jan 2012 9:04 AM
From: Australia
VStar650,
It is way to late for Dominican coral reefs - they died long ago. Cruise ships may be hard to control, but possibly no more than on-shore resorts, and certainly less than the polluting Dominican general population. Even this country's shop-front window, the capital, is used as a rubbish tip.
From: United States
I just do not see the tourists leaving Maimon.
One, employees in Maimon will tell every tourist not to go to POP, it is dangerous. Just like AIs do.
Two, the round trip taxi cost would be prohibitive. $60 usd round trip?
Three, if Carnival provides cheap transportation no taxi driver will benefit and all hell will break loose.
From: United States
well, Ron, what do you say to the article that RoyStone cited, with the url? what do you say to the posting by VStar650? what do you sat to Mary Uebersax, who states, in an article, that "severe damage to coral reefs appear off the coast of Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica? here is a working paper on the subject
Indecent Proposal; Cruise Ship Pollution in the Caribbean. by Mary Uebersax
read that,and maybe you will see that my opinions are not centered around the reality that i am Jamaican.
From: United States
well, Ron, what do you say to the article that RoyStone cited, with the url? what do you say to the posting by VStar650? what do you sat to Mary Uebersax, who states, in an article, that "severe damage to coral reefs appear off the coast of Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica? here is a working paper on the subject
Indecent Proposal; Cruise Ship Pollution in the Caribbean. by Mary Uebersax
read that,and maybe you will see that my opinions are not centered around the reality that i am Jamaican.
From: United States
says VStar 650
The financial and corrupting influences in the DR are well known and documented. Given world financial collapse it has little chance of success and the company will walk away from the facility in five years and never look back.
that will give the politicos enough time to line their pockets. the succeeding generations are left to deal with the repercussions. it is the Dominican way. quick money, no planning, subsequent disaster. no? see Puerto Plata.
Written by: RoyStone, 28 Jan 2012 11:14 AM
From: Australia
Where around the Dominican Republic, or the whole Caribbean for that matter, can you see colorful, living coral? I suggest nowhere. Prove me wrong if you can.
Coral reefs are very susceptible to pollution, physical damage, exploitation and introduced species. The Australian Great Barrier Reef is one of the few places where you can still see these living treasures, and even there they are under threat. Perhaps the more tourists that go to the Caribbean, the greater chance the Great Barrier Reef will have of survival?
Written by: RonEvane, 28 Jan 2012 11:48 AM
From: United States, Gaithersburg, Maryland
{" Well Ron, what do you say to the article that RoyStone cited, with the url? what do you say to the posting by VStar650? "}
I say It deals with the capsizing of the "Costa Concordia" and money issues within the industry. Nothing more.
And the posting by Vstar: I say bull$hit. It's all hear-say. Cannot prove that the actual docking of a cruise ship, will cause reef degradation. It doesn't mean these ships don't dump in the high seas, however, and presumably, hard to detect; thus, affecting reefs-- That I can understand. But to infer the docking of a ship in itself is the main culprit, is ridiculous. As you are also being ridiculous with your askew conclusions and arguments.
{"read that,and maybe you will see that my opinions are not centered around the reality that i am Jamaican."}
I mention your country of origin as an splendid example of tourism well-managed from where we can all learn something, not as insinuation of personal character faults or praise.
From: United States
Ron, go read the artivle by Mary Uebersax, before you make judgements. it is easily downloadable. as to Jamaica's tourism being well managed...i beg to differ. that was in the past, before the lure of quick money, from mass tourism. i hope that my old buddy, Eddie Bartlett, the current Minister of Tourism, put his talents to the task of solving the matter of enclave tourism and its pitfalls.
Written by: DRmaker, 28 Jan 2012 1:11 PM
From: Canada
danny00:
Thanks for the info on Puerto Plata. After your first few posts it appeared you were gonna bash POP (lol ), but you did a complete about face and offered up some good info on the place.
I got back last week after 2 weeks in Sosúa and managed to get to POP for a half day (visited a school for under privledged children). Stopped for lunch at a restaurant across from the malecon and the view was outstanding. I really like POP and would like to get to know it better.
Written by: DRmaker, 28 Jan 2012 1:22 PM
From: Canada
xwill7
"The great mountain views will make it paradise for the tourists"
You are on point with that statement, xwill7. I never get tired of looking at the view of Puerto Plata and the north coast from Sosúa Bay. Day (and night) it is a spectacular sight.
I still have not made it to Santiago (lol). I am going back to Sosúa in March but it looks like I won't make it to STI. Plan on going to Mamey de Los Hidalgos for a few days and to Punta Rucia for some snorkeling.
Written by: VStar650, 28 Jan 2012 1:29 PM
From: Dominican Republic
Thanks Dread, You got the pitch and sent it over the center-field fence.
You can bet there was BIG lobbying by the DR political powers that will scoff up on the major pesos that will be generated not only on the construction but the port fees and a host of other leach-like parasites that will inhabit the project....without regard to further polluting one of the most scenic places I have ever lived... I fear that it may be time to seek greener pastures... might be a long search.
From: United States
here is what will happen, VStar650. the port area will all be bought up by powerful concerns, and will become an enclave development, so to speak. when you leave the ship, there will be a court which sells McDonalds, Pizza Hut, and all kinds of plastic trinkets from China. the passengers will be warned to stay close to the ship, because there are deadly ,predatorial , natives, waiting to put them into a cauldron, and make gringo stew for supper. as such, the locals from the surrounding areas will get no real benefits. watch, as some big names from the area buy up port space, and replicate the Maimon fish andseafood restaurants, right at dockside. it never fails. tourism is a commodity. multinationals know that. these are not the gentler days, when people visited countries, just to see the culture. today, the culture is crafted, and packaged, solely for commercial purposes. sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but that is the reality.
Written by: RoyStone, 28 Jan 2012 3:13 PM
From: Australia
Dready,
I'm not so sure about Gringo-Stew, but Gringo Punching-Bag, Gringo Target-Practice and Gringo-Overcharge are always on the menu.
From: United States, NJ
Dread:
I guess i never looked at it from that point of view. However it did not happened like that in the
Lesser Antilles? Every port we hit were living off the tourist industry,and sounded very happy about it? Unless the UK,Holland had something to do with the mandates to the bigger industies.
I guess you have to give up something to gain others .If thre were some sort of regulation in place, it will make it more indusive.
All those mini busses i saw were operated by local from the guide to the driver ,owned by the big corporation.The maintanace crew could be 50% local as well if so agree on the contract. As to the vendors you have a point .
The mini busses could go as far as Imbert,(bajabonico),Luperon and Altamira in no more than 1 hr ride, the most southern part been Altamira 60 minutes ride and another 60 to Santaiago,of
course the ship would have to stay docked at least 6 hrs .
From: United States, NJ
I still would like to see Princess given the permit to enter with their 110,000 ton ship and 3,000
passanger and another 3,000 crew member. It is by far better organized, even if the cost is 3 time as much.
From: United States, NJ
What they say about POP in a negative way is all B/S.To keep all the tourist in the EAST as well as
in the SOUTH . I feel more relaxed at POP than in STO DGO ,less population and less crooks as well as congestion Since it is all relative to population size and San Felipe has a good police precint and less politicians up to now.
Can you picture yourself on top of Diego de O'campo, in Altamira as well as looking down to POP
from its southern most mountain range fron a" teleferico"?
Written by: derek, 30 Jan 2012 7:06 PM
From: Dominican Republic
As a 7 year resident, who loves the country, so many of these comments are so far of base it is sad. Do you want to promote the DR, or destroy it???????????
We own 4 properties in the area...Luperon (2), Isabella, and Altamira, and welcome new, good tourists.
Is Maimon a good harbor? From what I know, absolutely not. A trecherous (sp) entrance, that would need really huge blasting, and other work to be cruise ship friendly. Environmental disaster. Dumb choice !!!!!!!!!!!!! Why not in PP, where so much is already there?????????????
PP has easy access, and is the logical Choice
From: Canada
POP is the biggest secret on the north coast ... tropical rainforest on the mountain, drive right down to the beaches at costamber ... decent main roads ... but to balance, man the garbage just off the side of the road is unbelieveable, glass, junk, wow ... the motoconches with upto 5 people on board, wow ... and the road level air pollution from every vehicle it seems with special mention to oil burning grey smoking bikes and cars ... and then the side roads, not even to be described as farm roads suitable for tractors, paths really that motoconches can navigate, or animals or on foot, but for all that POP is quite awesome, the view, the food, the people and the amenities, Bank of Nova Scotia, bank machines everywhere, cheap internet cafes (when you can find them but once found you don"t forget), excellent little bars everywhere, the international airport, there is a hospital, a univeristy, a large new box mall, hey POP has it all really and yes I do love the place and think about it
From: Canada
con"t ... every time I see a snowbank, which is every day .....
Written by: underpar, 31 Jan 2012 6:25 PM
From: Dominican Republic
Dreadlocks,
How typical of you Dread! You used the internet and a bookstore to gather your information even though you have never lived your life you are an expert on all because of the internet.
Your nothing but an ignorant and arrogant loser who only loves to bash the DR and anyone who defends the country.
Your a sad and pathetic soul
From: United States
Written by: underpar, 31 Jan 2012 6:25 PM
From: Dominican Republic
Dreadlocks,
How typical of you Dread! You used the internet and a bookstore to gather your information even though you have never lived your life you are an expert on all because of the internet.
maybe because, unlike you, i can read, analyse, and understand. if you want to celebrate the cruise ship industry as a boon to caribbean island development, then go ahead. there is a gigantic body of literature, replete with mathematical, and statistical models, which begs to differ. do not be angry at me because i take the time to learn. i do not chastise you for your choice to be an uneducated, ignorant, simple minded, trifling, boor. now go back to scrubbing the kitchen floor.
From: United States, NJ
derek;
You said you have property in ALTAMIRA ,PUERTO PLATA ,if it isn't too nosey in my part ,Could i ask you what they are ? I am from there too that is why i ask you. Did you meet Federico Rancier,
Julio Rancier and my cousin Daddy and sisters? All those are the remaining family left there,since
i emmigrated to the USA in 1952
Written by: RoyStone, 31 Jan 2012 9:29 PM
From: Australia
Thelmo, I hazard to guess this is a very different country from the one you left.
From: United States, NJ
Roy :
i guess so,
I left 3 millions and they tell me the population explossion went up to 8. The Capital was only 300,000 . Now it is 4 millions, half of the nation's population What is with these people,(rabbits)?
No electricity and they start making babies? with out the means of supporting them! I would say
that only 10% is above the poverty level,Shame when in China they get fine or prisson if they have
more than 2 .Don't they believe in preservatives?. It is cheaper than raising a child w/o education.
Written by: RonEvane, 31 Jan 2012 10:47 PM
From: United States, Gaithersburg, Maryland
{Don't they believe in preservatives?. }
Well, I for one, certainly do! ...That's why every night, I'll drink at least two or three cans of brews, so that I can "preserve" myself.
Written by: RonEvane, 31 Jan 2012 10:51 PM
From: United States, Gaithersburg, Maryland
double post, doubly preserved.
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Blessed manna Payola.
???????
@Roy.. there is an environmental impact study, the question is, how good and/or valid will it be?
Look what happened with Suape Port Brazil, where they destroyed an ecosystem that has been attributed to the alarming increase of Shark attacks.
and if they do iam sure a nice payoff will help the builders get their permts real fast.
the tourists will be so happy when they arrive in the great tourists city of pop, lots for them to see and do,
like vist the amber museum, fun city with the go carts, get to buy real cuban cigars from the local gift shops around parke central, well lets see what else they can do??????..... please dont get off the ship the motor bikes will run u down as u try and cross the streets in pop,
best thing pop has is the cable ride which used to be own and maybe still is by a german company, the tourists can also watch the police and army guys go get their payoffs from the local drug dealers,
[maybe it has changed but as far as i k now the cuban cigars are counterfeit}
also dont buy any gold or silver jewlery from these shops they are all rip offs some worst then others they are not going to give u a so-called deal}
and the guides will surround u when u reach the city of puerto plata if not before, any guide works on a 30% comm he gets from the gift shops based on the amount of money the suckers spend in the shop.
u dont need any guide to hustle u most of the shops have workers who speak some english and german and some french.
the metro bus ststem for me is #1 u will have no problems if u need to use the bus system, the taxi cabs around the park are ok but when a gringo or a tourists u will pay at least double the fare as a dominican would,{most tourists though expect to pay more when they travel] [dont rent a car dont even think of it}
if u really want to see the city of pop. try and make a deal with a guide for the day if u can, {maybe u can find one that works at a local hotel and has some time to show u around {better then the tour bus or group tours} in most cases puerto plata is safe in the daytime} dont flash your money dollars or pesos around, give a the guide a fair pay for the time he or she works for u. also no problem with the banks in the heart of the city in pop, u can get cash or change your dollars from them u pay a bit more but its safe.
{better not to go out late at night} u see more in the day anyway.
Written by: RoyStone, 27 Jan 2012 10:59 AM
From: Australia
This is good news for the country, provided it is done with transparency and environmental responsibility. Do these projects require an environmental impact study?
what environmental study? cruiseship tourism is a waste of time for the host destination..firstly, people have to understand that the SHIP is the pull, not the port of call. there are two types of tourists. one is the phytocentric personality, the other is the allocentric personality. phytocentrics, who make up the majority of cruise ship tourists, are people who have a low level of adventurism. they want to stay in the "tourist bubble". they do not want to go mixing with a bunch of quaint natives, but rather be with their peers, and not having to deal with strange situations, and language differences. allocentrics are the guys who want to go out into the rain forest, and the backpackers. they spend time in the interior, and spread the money ar
very true but some do and for sure pop needs even the few that do leave,
years ago met many tourists in playa dora hotel.
they told me the are never coming back to this country. i asked them why?
said the local people that worked in the hotel told them that if the go into puerto plata city that some one might kill them or for sure rob them, the idea was to keep these tourists at the hotel complex to spend their dollars over there.
but these comments are crazy and stupid because the tourists to be scared of the people and the country.[many said they could not for their vacation to end so they can get out of here}
very stupid indeed. [ playa dorda cab and taxi drivers also did not help} over charging the tourists.
this site is not to help the dr but
lets see whos the most intelligent, who has the best comments
has enough for today, going to the port of miami and watch the ships come into port.
if not the ships then i will watch the tide come in and go out.
have a great day in la- la land where nothing is for real is it? even if one goes to google is the information and numbers real?
love the bonding the dr have, the brother hood and love and for sure the trust dominican people have 4 each other.
.
I agree that for people who go on cruses, the ship is the main attraction, however they still need a destination, even if only to validate the exotic postcards they send their friends.
I doubt the ships dump their rubbish overboard, but I don't know for a fact. Regardless this would be insignificant compared to the rubbish Dominicans add to the environment every day, that ends up in the sea.
Regardless I believe there is still a benefit for this county to attract tour ships. The Dominican "product" can be packaged and delivered on board and sold, without the need for the tourist to risk their health and safety by setting foot in the country. I'm not talking about straw hats and bamboo mugs, made in China.
I have worked on many a ship with my groups and they all get off the ship except for a small few Dread! I have worked on the largest ships in the world so before you open you mouth. Tell me what ships you have been on that gives you the knowledge of tourists spending habits?
What ports are you an expert on ?
This will be great addition and will help POP.
Look at Labadee and see how busy and happy the folks are!
Why don't you sad DR haters just leave already!
RoyStone, the Cayman Islands have sued cruise lines for dumping wastes in their waters. there are protocols for dumping, and there are agreements. however, none of the caribbean islands is a signatory to the agreements.
I could not be happier for Puerta Plata and the surrounding towns .and I think it will happen if the docking fees are right ...The Costa company use the carnival ships as low cost cruisers and they would have been insured for the accident in Italy
I last travel to the Maya Ruins in Mexico last november and the cruise my sister got in order for her to pay for her 2 daughters, the cheapest of all of them and it was full of rifraffs and it was (carnaval) Kids running around .People misbehaving and loud.You turn around and unmistakeable, it were our people (Latinos) in must case DR or PR both from NYC.
We did not experience that with PRINCESS cruises althought the fares were 3 times hiegher .
The Smaller Antilles with princess were also very pleasant and relaxing as well as the Islands we visited.
I hope if the port gets build by CARNAVAL,does not gives them exclusive rights to the port and
facilitates others ,like in the Smaller Antilles 3 ships or 4 could mour at the same time.
As to the thieves, if you are born into malices would be very hard to give it up.With time they learn
it does not pay,and i hope they will be civil.
I rather go to PTO PTA to the capital Santo Domingo as it is, with all the construction ,who wants to see that? The hardest thing for those companies would be to obtain permits since Sto Dgo wants all the tourist by them or at East of the Island.It seems as if all the VIP had shares at the East in Casa Campo.
As to the hotels as well as big investment in the Island belongs to the Spaniards who have the
know how on hotels and tourism. Unless the DR people get the grasp of it, the employees will
have to be imported. Not all of them could be hotel managers.As i had mentioned before they all
want to start at the top.
You noticed the present gvt pays very little attention at POP knowing dam well it will be the capital's rival if it gets developed.
Always complaining about the others.
Good luck to Maimón! At last good news. Good for the whole area, one of the most beautiful in the whole country. Good for the people who need jobs. Because unlike what you always suppose, also Dominicans like to work, if they get a job! Incredible, but true!
how many jobs do you think a cruise shop generates at a port of call?
The dreaded, intermittent wind from Jamaica, once again, blows over Hispaniola covering it with the dark cloud of despair, futility and painful truths. To wit:.. This port, presumably being built with private funding, will only worsen the already dire economical situation in POP and environs. How dare our govt allow such a project to be built and disembark shiploads after shiploads of tourists, creating an eyesore with their presence and, to make matters worse, refusing to buy our genuine Cuban cigars, made in DR?
Yes our govt, once again, screwed up big time, by not listening to the voice of reason and refusing to tell this company to take a hike and go do their damage in Jamaica, instead.... When will our govt learn that tourism of any kind simply isn't cost effective, a detriment to our way of life and a desecration to our pristine environment?!...Only God and Dread, know for sure.... Amen.
"When will our govt learn that tourism of any kind simply isn't cost effective, a detriment to our way of life and a desecration to our pristine environment?"
I will give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you are being sarcastic, since tourism is by far this country's biggest earner, and the damage done by tourists to what's left of the environment is negligible compared to the damage being done by Dominicans.
go do their damage in Jamaica? they already have! try to remember, Ron, that tourism started in the DR in 1969. before that, more Dominicans visited the outside world, than outsiders came here. Jamaica has been in the business for almost a century. i can therefore draw upon their experiences, as a point of reference. you are entitled to your opinion. i speak from what i see, and research. by the way, for an older guy, it is time to put aside the little adolescent inter-island pettiness. i do not see you referring to others by country. what is the matter? some jealousy on your part? what is this matter of specifying my country? what does it add to the narrative? you think i will just shut up, and go away, because guys like you, and Atabey, refer to the Jamaiquino? you think i am ashamed of it?
http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/....stry/comment-posted#comments-note
Take a look.
of course you are right. the big money is for the company and the dominicans only get the crumbs - what else?
but there will be a couple of jobs to build the port and later there will be also some jobs at the port or for taxi drivers or so. it's better than nothing, better than now. as i said - crumbs for the dominicans, big money for the gringos - like always.
and if there will be some tourists that would stay for short holiday, there are also jobs in hotels. and not to forget for the sanky pankies to satisfy the old white "ladies" and for the putas of the white masters of the north.
{"sure, Ricardolito. i wonder why it is that professional academics, who have studied this matter, have a far different take on this matter than you do?i wonder why it is that they see very few positive upsides to cruise ship tourism."}
"Very few positive upsides". Really, Mr. Dread!??
I refer to your country, not as a target for ridicule, au contraire, but to praise it for all the efforts made, to earn big-time cash by promoting its beauty and as prime destination for fun in the sun.
We should look at Jamaica and emulate it for all it's success!
What gets me, is your askew take on the downside of tourism, as if there were any. But you are quite an expert on this matter, thus:... "cruise-ship tourism is a waste of time for the host destination.."...And..." the ship is dumping all kinds of waste in your coastal waters, killing the reefs, and doing permanent damage to the ecology."...Amazing!!..Where do you get all this stuff?! You, being Jamaican, should know better, sir.
I had hoped to provide sanitary pumping and wasted disposal services but my proposals fell on deaf ears... The ships discharged hundreds of thousands of gallons of unsanitary waste at sea... the environmental studies take only a few years later confirmed reef destruction and fish species disappearing within only two years.. Most within 100 miles of the island chain. The practice goes unchallenged and unenforced even today.
The financial and corrupting influences in the DR are well known and documented. Given world financial collapse it has little chance of success and the company will walk away from the facility in five years and never look back.
It is way to late for Dominican coral reefs - they died long ago. Cruise ships may be hard to control, but possibly no more than on-shore resorts, and certainly less than the polluting Dominican general population. Even this country's shop-front window, the capital, is used as a rubbish tip.
I just do not see the tourists leaving Maimon.
One, employees in Maimon will tell every tourist not to go to POP, it is dangerous. Just like AIs do.
Two, the round trip taxi cost would be prohibitive. $60 usd round trip?
Three, if Carnival provides cheap transportation no taxi driver will benefit and all hell will break loose.
Indecent Proposal; Cruise Ship Pollution in the Caribbean. by Mary Uebersax
read that,and maybe you will see that my opinions are not centered around the reality that i am Jamaican.
Indecent Proposal; Cruise Ship Pollution in the Caribbean. by Mary Uebersax
read that,and maybe you will see that my opinions are not centered around the reality that i am Jamaican.
The financial and corrupting influences in the DR are well known and documented. Given world financial collapse it has little chance of success and the company will walk away from the facility in five years and never look back.
that will give the politicos enough time to line their pockets. the succeeding generations are left to deal with the repercussions. it is the Dominican way. quick money, no planning, subsequent disaster. no? see Puerto Plata.
Coral reefs are very susceptible to pollution, physical damage, exploitation and introduced species. The Australian Great Barrier Reef is one of the few places where you can still see these living treasures, and even there they are under threat. Perhaps the more tourists that go to the Caribbean, the greater chance the Great Barrier Reef will have of survival?
{" Well Ron, what do you say to the article that RoyStone cited, with the url? what do you say to the posting by VStar650? "}
I say It deals with the capsizing of the "Costa Concordia" and money issues within the industry. Nothing more.
And the posting by Vstar: I say bull$hit. It's all hear-say. Cannot prove that the actual docking of a cruise ship, will cause reef degradation. It doesn't mean these ships don't dump in the high seas, however, and presumably, hard to detect; thus, affecting reefs-- That I can understand. But to infer the docking of a ship in itself is the main culprit, is ridiculous. As you are also being ridiculous with your askew conclusions and arguments.
{"read that,and maybe you will see that my opinions are not centered around the reality that i am Jamaican."}
I mention your country of origin as an splendid example of tourism well-managed from where we can all learn something, not as insinuation of personal character faults or praise.
Thanks for the info on Puerto Plata. After your first few posts it appeared you were gonna bash POP (lol ), but you did a complete about face and offered up some good info on the place.
I got back last week after 2 weeks in Sosúa and managed to get to POP for a half day (visited a school for under privledged children). Stopped for lunch at a restaurant across from the malecon and the view was outstanding. I really like POP and would like to get to know it better.
"The great mountain views will make it paradise for the tourists"
You are on point with that statement, xwill7. I never get tired of looking at the view of Puerto Plata and the north coast from Sosúa Bay. Day (and night) it is a spectacular sight.
I still have not made it to Santiago (lol). I am going back to Sosúa in March but it looks like I won't make it to STI. Plan on going to Mamey de Los Hidalgos for a few days and to Punta Rucia for some snorkeling.
You can bet there was BIG lobbying by the DR political powers that will scoff up on the major pesos that will be generated not only on the construction but the port fees and a host of other leach-like parasites that will inhabit the project....without regard to further polluting one of the most scenic places I have ever lived... I fear that it may be time to seek greener pastures... might be a long search.
I'm not so sure about Gringo-Stew, but Gringo Punching-Bag, Gringo Target-Practice and Gringo-Overcharge are always on the menu.
I guess i never looked at it from that point of view. However it did not happened like that in the
Lesser Antilles? Every port we hit were living off the tourist industry,and sounded very happy about it? Unless the UK,Holland had something to do with the mandates to the bigger industies.
I guess you have to give up something to gain others .If thre were some sort of regulation in place, it will make it more indusive.
All those mini busses i saw were operated by local from the guide to the driver ,owned by the big corporation.The maintanace crew could be 50% local as well if so agree on the contract. As to the vendors you have a point .
The mini busses could go as far as Imbert,(bajabonico),Luperon and Altamira in no more than 1 hr ride, the most southern part been Altamira 60 minutes ride and another 60 to Santaiago,of
course the ship would have to stay docked at least 6 hrs .
passanger and another 3,000 crew member. It is by far better organized, even if the cost is 3 time as much.
in the SOUTH . I feel more relaxed at POP than in STO DGO ,less population and less crooks as well as congestion Since it is all relative to population size and San Felipe has a good police precint and less politicians up to now.
Can you picture yourself on top of Diego de O'campo, in Altamira as well as looking down to POP
from its southern most mountain range fron a" teleferico"?
We own 4 properties in the area...Luperon (2), Isabella, and Altamira, and welcome new, good tourists.
Is Maimon a good harbor? From what I know, absolutely not. A trecherous (sp) entrance, that would need really huge blasting, and other work to be cruise ship friendly. Environmental disaster. Dumb choice !!!!!!!!!!!!! Why not in PP, where so much is already there?????????????
PP has easy access, and is the logical Choice
How typical of you Dread! You used the internet and a bookstore to gather your information even though you have never lived your life you are an expert on all because of the internet.
Your nothing but an ignorant and arrogant loser who only loves to bash the DR and anyone who defends the country.
Your a sad and pathetic soul
From: Dominican Republic
Dreadlocks,
How typical of you Dread! You used the internet and a bookstore to gather your information even though you have never lived your life you are an expert on all because of the internet.
maybe because, unlike you, i can read, analyse, and understand. if you want to celebrate the cruise ship industry as a boon to caribbean island development, then go ahead. there is a gigantic body of literature, replete with mathematical, and statistical models, which begs to differ. do not be angry at me because i take the time to learn. i do not chastise you for your choice to be an uneducated, ignorant, simple minded, trifling, boor. now go back to scrubbing the kitchen floor.
You said you have property in ALTAMIRA ,PUERTO PLATA ,if it isn't too nosey in my part ,Could i ask you what they are ? I am from there too that is why i ask you. Did you meet Federico Rancier,
Julio Rancier and my cousin Daddy and sisters? All those are the remaining family left there,since
i emmigrated to the USA in 1952
i guess so,
I left 3 millions and they tell me the population explossion went up to 8. The Capital was only 300,000 . Now it is 4 millions, half of the nation's population What is with these people,(rabbits)?
No electricity and they start making babies? with out the means of supporting them! I would say
that only 10% is above the poverty level,Shame when in China they get fine or prisson if they have
more than 2 .Don't they believe in preservatives?. It is cheaper than raising a child w/o education.
{Don't they believe in preservatives?. }
Well, I for one, certainly do! ...That's why every night, I'll drink at least two or three cans of brews, so that I can "preserve" myself.
double post, doubly preserved.